Soft sand...hardy trees

Cayo Largo del Sur or simply Cayo Largo or Long Key is a small island off the southern coast of the northwestern part of the main island of Cuba. There are no permanent residents on the island, only tourists in resorts. We miss interacting with the locals. However, the island itself, with its long beaches of powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunrise and sunsets, more than make up for it and we are happy.

The staff at the resort work 20 days then return to their homes on the island for 10 days. A journey home might take 5 hours by boat which is why some staff stay in town after their shift. Drinking water is ferried in to the resort. We are mindful of this and always drink the last drop in our bottles.

As we make our way to the beach, I am struck by something unusual. The terrain here is different from what we are used to seeing in Caribbean resorts. I am curious and must find out. After some reading, I learn about the Karstic origins of Cayo Largo. When rocks, limestone and dolomite dissolve a special type of landscape is formed. Which is why vegetation seems low in this region, I muse, paying attention to the branches of stunted trees clinging to humps of sand resembling dunes. The tide, when it comes in, takes a part of the beach with her. However, the very same portion is returned at some point in time.

With a wind-swept beach our only companion, we settle on a rock, probably here since the beginning of time, and let our senses absorb the beauty of this serene scene. We can stay here for hours, gazing out at the ever-changing colours of the water. A kingfisher swoops down from the sky, bags its prize, rises in a graceful arc, disappears from sight. This is life unfolding before us. We can live together. Paradise!

Keep well, my friends.
Purabi
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